Nazi Germany's Long Service Medals; Nazi rings

• In the case of the SS (and possibly in other services) the periods needed for long service awards were adjusted depending on the type of service.
  • For example time served between 1925 and 1933 (the Kampfzeit) counted as DOUBLE. 
  • Time spent on Active Service counted as DOUBLE. 

• It was therefore possible to gain the 25 years Faithful Service Award in a lot less than 25 years. It was possible to earn the 25 year award between 1923 and 1940

• In all cases service time before the Nazi Party came to power counted for long service medals so WW1 service was counted and if Active Service was DOUBLE.

SS Faithful Service Medals

The SS was founded in 1923, but not until the year 1925 was the term S.S (Schutz Staffel) used.

On January 30, 1938, higher grades of this badge were announced. 4 classes were available to be given:
* Black Metal for 4 years   (Not awarded to Officers) see left.
* Bronze Metal for 8 years (as displayed above left & centre)
* Silver Cross with Swastika for 12 years (as above right)
* Gilt Cross with Swastika for 25 years.   

Armed Services Long Service Medals

All members of the Armed Forces were eligible for these awards which were bestowed in five classes; 4 years, 12 years  (medals), 18 years, 25 years  and 40 years (crosses). 

All levels of the award were held on blue ribbons with the appropriate branch of service attached to it. It was either the spread wing eagle for the Army and Navy or the flying eagle for the Air Force.

Only two long service awards were to be worn at the same time.  The 4 and 12 year classes were obviously to be worn together, but once the individual received the 25 year class, he would wear it with the 4 year class, and if the 40 year class were achieved then it would be worn with the 12 year class.  The award was worn as part of a group or in the ribbon bar for daily wear. 

Olympic Games Commemorative Medal 1936 and Army 12 & 4 Yr. Long Service Medals.

4 year Service Medal 

Gold 25 year and silver 18 year Long Service medals with Luftwaffe device.

12 year Long Service medal 

18 Year Long Service Cross

 25 Year Long Service Cross

Nazi Party Long Service Awards

• Long Service Medal 2nd Class. Instituted January 30, 1938.
  • Silver awarded for 25 years service (see left)
  • 1st Class was gilt and awarded for 40 years service. (See above left & centre)
  • Special Grade was for 50 years service and had the figures 50 on the front top arm. (Planned but probably never issued) (See above right)

This was awarded for service to the Nazi Party, it does not reflect military service time (but to get it service in the military was taken into  account) so it can more accurately be described as a civilian medal.

Police Long Service Awards

Long Service Awards in the RAD (Civilian labour organisation)

4Year Service Medal, RAD

12 year Service Medal RAD

Nazi badge rings

SS ring

Panzer Totenkopf ring

Luftwaffe ring

SA ring

German PoW ring Camp McCoy USA

Hitler Youth ring

Heer victory ring (not issued)

Totenkopf ring

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